Alex Seidel, Jeff Osaka and more Denver chefs among James Beard Foundation semi-finalists

Earlier today, in a live stream from Orlando, Florida, the James Beard Foundation rolled out its culinary red carpet of semi-finalists in several categories, including Outstanding Bar Program, Outstanding Pastry Chef, Outstanding Restaurateur, Outstanding Wine Program, Rising Star Chef of the Year and Best Chef, Southwest -- all of which are award categories that trumpet at least one Colorado chef or restaurant.

Last year, Jennifer Jasinski, exec chef-owner of Rioja, Bistro Vendome and Euclid Hall strutted home with the Best Chef, Southwest James Beard award, while Frasca Food and Wine took home the Outstanding Wine Program award.

Flip the page to see who's vying for this year's prestigious medallions.

The finalists in the Restaurant and Chef award categories, as well as the nominations for Book, Journalism, Broadcast and Restaurant Design awards, will be announced at the Publican in Chicago on Wednesday, March 19. Winners of the 2014 James Beard Awards -- the Oscars of the food world -- will be proclaimed in New York City on May 2 and 5 at Lincoln Center.